07.17 Dalhart, TX

Yesterday we enjoyed a nice day off in Amarillo, TX. The night before a few of us went out with a guy from the YMCA. Unfortunately there isn’t much open on a Sunday night in the middle of Texas, or at least in Amarillo. We ended up at a sketchy pool hall (boy do I appreciated the no smoking inside laws on the East Coast) and just chatted and played a few games of pool for a bit. What a culture shock. A lot of the towns we are going through are a culture shock for me; I’ve only lived in suburbs and we’re riding through the middle of nowhere! The scenery is amazing though and much more appreciated on a bike. Never before have I been to a place so flat and tree-less that you can see the horizon…

On the day off, we all were split up to do different presentations throughout the day. I did one to a group of kids at one of the YMCA branches and we worked a little bike safety in as well. The afternoon consisted of wireless internet, post office/bike store/ice cream, and just general relaxing. The Tour de France is going on right now so lots of people are into that. It’s interesting to watch, especially since I now know what is going on, but tv sports really aren’t my thing.

Today we had an 85 mile ride into Dalhart, TX and it was actually really awesome. We had a nice tail wind for most of it, which is a change, so it was a fast ride and the hills weren’t that bad. We went through some hilly pastureland (still no trees, although we did find one for a lunch spot) and some cropland. I rode with Josh and then Rachel today and we had some good convos which helped the ride along. I’ve really liked riding with different people the past few days. The one-on-one convos are good and it’s easier to pace.

Some people have been asking how I’m doing physically. I’m okay, not great. I have learned that I am not built to be an athlete in any sense of the word. Granted, I know that I’ll make it but it’s been rough and the hardest part is yet to come. Thanks to painkillers, my life is a little easier. Some riders are pumped up by this trip and are planning to run marathons and do triathlons. I have no desire to do anything this physically challenging ever again, haha! I’m excited to be able to exercise like a normal person again. I am also excited to be able to use my bike as a means of transportation in San Francisco. But soon enough…I’ve got 1800 miles left!